The Boston Tea Party: One Of History’s Greatest Protests

Before America gained its independence from the British, the situation in the colonies was steadily deteriorating. The 1770s was the most crucial decade for the start of US history. A series of events would help push America to seek independence from the British and propelled the cause forward, leading to the American Revolution. One event that holds extreme significance in America’s quest for liberation from Britain occurred in Boston, colonial Massachusetts, known as the Boston Tea Party. It’s by no means the only event that set off the revolution, but it stands out for many reasons.
One of history’s most famous protests, The Boston Tea Party, was a carefully orchestrated demonstration aimed at making the colonist's disdain towards the British government and its laws well known. It did so in undeniable style and helped to shore up support among the colonists to leave Britain behind and start their own country with its own laws and separate government.
This is the story of the Boston Tea Party, a protest of substance and style that achieved undeniable things, including advancing revolutionary sentiment.
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Further Reading:
www.history.com/topics/americ...
archive.org/details/bostontea...
archive.org/details/growthofa...
www.encyclopedia.com/history/...
archive.org/details/bostontea...
archive.org/details/bostontea...
www.history.com/topics/americ...
www.gilderlehrman.org/history....
www.britannica.com/event/Stam...
www.history.com/topics/americ...
www.britannica.com/event/Town...
www.britannica.com/event/Quar...
www.revolutionary-war-and-bey...
www.revolutionary-war-and-bey...
www.revolutionary-war-and-bey...
www.britannica.com/money/topi...
www.battlefields.org/learn/ar....
www.history.com/topics/americ...
www.britannica.com/event/Bost...
www.history.com/topics/americ...
www.bostonteapartyship.com/th...
www.britannica.com/money/topi...
www.bostonteapartyship.com/so...
www.britannica.com/event/Sons...
www.history.com/news/sons-of-...
history.com/topics/american-r...
www.britannica.com/event/Bost...
www.in2013dollars.com/uk/infl...
www.mountvernon.org/library/d....
www.britannica.com/event/Into...
www.history.com/news/intolera...
www.history.com/news/what-was...

[@geographicstravel]

Check out Karl's Socials: Fact Fiend: www.youtube.com/@FactFiend Wiki Weekends: www.youtube.com/@wikiweekends Untitled Side Channel: www.youtube.com/@untitledsidechannel Twitter: twitter.com/KarlSmallwood

[@magnificus8581]

Will never get tired of hearing the history of the Revolution from a Brit. Excellent video! 😊

[@jop4833]

Meanwhile I am an American reading about the english civil war. This cromwell guy is interesting. I hope he has an uneventful and fulfilling life. NO SPOILER ALERTS

[@archstanton6102]

​@jop4833 Mention his name to tne Irish and watch the reaction

[@stephentaylor6019]

I like my coffee black, and my tea in the harbor

[@geographicstravel]

What a coincidence, so do I!

[@deniseatkins9407]

When I was a child I was taken to Boston to see my Great Aunt. We went down docks and I looked down into the water and said so this was where the tea party was. I was called several expletives by my dad and told that's in America

[@andrewswift2727]

I REALLY hope you keep this gig and you become the permanent host. I'll admit I wasn't sure what to make of you at first (not in a bad) but I really enjoy your work.

[@alexdasliebe5391]

“Economic terrorism” is what this’d be considered nowadays in The United States

[@DarkKnight52365]

only if it were done by the left if its done by the right it would be a "peaceful protest"

[@yotaiji012]

Or like rioting during supposedly peaceful protesting?

[@archstanton6102]

MABA MAKE AMERICA BRITISH AGAIN

[@michaelgallagher3640]

​@@archstanton6102..England isn't British anymore.

[@archstanton6102]

@michaelgallagher3640 How not? You understand Britain is made up from Scotland, Wales and England?

[@Pepius_Julius_Magnus_Maximu...]

Wow, Simon sure changed, the hair transplant looks spotless.

[@geographicstravel]

It's all thanks to Keeps.

[@pamelamays4186]

"Made the tea unsuitable for drinking. Even for Americans." John Banks, in Marry Poppins talking about the Boston Tea Party. A very British burn.🇬🇧🔥

[@murrayscott9546]

Ever made it from the crystal-clear River Charles ? Lov that dirty water.

[@terranaut]

It is just under 1 month away from the 250th anniversary from the Boston Tea Party! Boston is having a huge event for it. Also: the presenter is highkey just as good as Simon.

[@olga138]

The patroon system of distributing land would be an interesting episode. It involved deeding massive tracts of land to Dutch investors who then had to get settlers to stay on the land. I think it's also interesting that the Spanish had settlements in the New World long before the Pilgrims arrived----but history books were written by white men in Boston, so the Spanish influence in America was ignored. You're doing great, Karl---keep it up.

[@ignitionfrn2223]

2:00 - Chapter 1 - The early days of tea trade in the colonies 3:20 - Chapter 2 - The 1st crack; the stamp act 5:55 - Chapter 3 - The townshend acts 8:00 - Chapter 4 - The response to the townshend acts ; the boston massacre 11:30 - Chapter 5 - The linchpin; the tea tax 12:55 - Chapter 6 - The sons of liberty take action 14:30 - Chapter 7 - Boston harbor ; 12/16/1773 16:10 - Chapter 8 - A mixed response at home 17:05 - Chapter 9 - Britain responds , the intolerable acts 17:55 - Chapter 10 - Growing calls for independence 19:45 - Chapter 11 - A legacy with great consequences 20:20 - Conclusion

[@djdrack4681]

England, aka the nation that has repeatedly failed at maintaining its [former] empire. Its history: a story of hegemony, but complete lack of pragmatism/realism in achieving + maintaining it.

[@SamM-gl9zc]

​​​@@djdrack4681 - Idk man... It's just like, my opinion or whatever, but if ANY nation, let alone an island nation about the size of the American State of Michigan, can take control of nearly half of the entire planet at ANY point in history, even if they don't manage to hang onto it all for centuries, it's Still one of The Most impressive conquests & expansions in the history of man. And it also *Absolutely* shaped pretty much the entire world for centuries, all the way to today. English is By Far the most widely spoken language. The English Empire is one of the cornerstones of Western Society, which is the dominant society in the world, until America falls.

[@elizabethannedavis5176]

Btw, the snake with join or die. Is literally what my coffee mug has on it now. Coffeeeeeee

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

Love your content karl! You're awesome 😊😊😊❤❤❤❤

[@geographicstravel]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

@@geographicstravel Always

[@Sh_rib]

"Interim host" who else wants Karl to stay on? I certainly do for one!!!! 😁😁😁

[@geographicstravel]

Hopefully things work out. There's a lot moving behind the scenes, but if you want him to be permanent, share the videos. ;)

[@Sh_rib]

​@@geographicstravelalready done!!! 😁😁😁

[@heighlander44]

Why is he interim host? Happy with his stuff, but not sure where Simon went.

[@thetankcommander3838]

As an American, I send my token of chivalrous support for making videos like this in the future. History is tumultuous, especially between America and Britain. But history is history. Jolly good show, fine sir!

[@thegeneral19]

I'm from Boston and I say it's a pretty good video!

[@bamacopeland4372]

Britain traded spices all over the world but still has some of the blandest food out there.

[@kadourimdou43]

Not true. Roast dinners are flavoured with mint, rosemary, western curry’s came from Britain, apple, rhubarb, blackcurrant crumbles, eton mess , loads of our meals aren’t bland.

[@littleshep5502]

Only if you are using stereotypes

[@ripn929707]

They were following Easy-E advice. "Don't get high off your own supply". 😂

[@quentinblaizot668]

There's a museum in Boston that does reenactments of the Tea Party, and then much bigger celebrations every year on December 16th. This year is supposed to be an absolutely massive ceremony because it's the 250th anniversary.

[@lauriecullen7761]

It's one of my favorites!

[@lauriecullen7761]

This was excellent!

[@SamM-gl9zc]

I just like the idea of hearing this from a Brit's points of view. My whole life it's always been our heroic view of our own actions. Imagine us having a meager 10% of the backbone and character of our Founders... with just that, we might even be able to save our rapidly sinking Republic. Apparently, current day men are going to have to be reminded how rare and precious Liberty is in human history. The hardest part is 30-40% of us who see the danger and would restore us to Constitutional, Foundational rule of law, lack the ability to do much about it, but will pay just the same as the ones bringing us down in the name of peace, love & tolerance.

[@commanderx97]

Americans as a whole, especially millennials and younger. Have nearly no interest in history. I’d bet 70% of my high school class could not tell you the significance of December 7th, 1941. Damn shame, but great content like this makes it easier for folks like me (American history nerds) share the wonders of history with other folks! Great video!!

[@djdrack4681]

I think people confuse what 'millenial' is. AKA Gen-Y, they were born between roughly 1981-1996. Zoomers, AKA Gen-Z, is like '97-2014. Zoomers: People are thinking of Zoomers MOST of the time they think of the social-media focused, self-involved, ignorant generation. They're the ones that had faces glued to tablets at 3, have never had to deal with dial-up or flip-phones or having a home phone or floppy discs. These are the participation trophy kids; the one focusing on IG/tik-tok/etc. The oldest Zoomer is like 25ish Millenials: >70+% of millenials grew up all/most of their childhood with little/no internet (in its after-Google form), only the very tail of it had internet/social media. A large % of these know what dewy-decimal system/card catalogs are, and never had common-core type 'no child left behind' programs. The oldest millenials are 45ish. *Note: Millenials ARE the ones that made not just the 1st 'wave' of YT channels about infographic/history/how-to/etc content; they've been the ones making most of them. They're the ones that pushed for abandoning reliance on cable, big media; in lieu of smaller, more investigation/transparent journalism/news coverage. They're the ones fighting for 1A/2A and all constitutional rights in general (most of the attorneys doing this with 'a passion' are

[@robertsollory7475]

Am drinking tea as I watch this.

[@TheMooo1234]

Im from usa not gonna lie i was like what can a British man tell me about my history im glad I found you because a lot of Americans like you said don't know 99% of what you knew all videos on this topic are 3min or less just talking about who dumped the tea but not why im proud to say im subscribed to you now 😊

[@Jayjay-qe6um]

John Adams and many other Americans considered tea drinking to be unpatriotic following the Boston Tea Party. Tea drinking during and after the Revolution, resulting in a shift to coffee as the preferred hot drink.

[@IIC-GusBadran]

Thank you - Might consider doing a video on The US war of Independence.

[@BabyMakR]

An idea for an episode would be from here in Australia. The Eureka Stockade for one and the First Fleet arrival at Botany Bay and the creation of the first town.

[@Mettazoan]

It's nice to hear you made it to Philly. There's some great historical museums there and, yeah, not enough people go to them. Back when I lived up there, anytime I had friends visit the city for the first time I'd suggest at least hitting some of the highlights. It's an easy sell if you promise to take them to the Reading Terminal Market to eat or out for a cheesteak. :P

[@bbbanks6912]

The best retelling of this bit of history for me is from, Thom Hartmann's book, Unequal Protection. His book on corporations. Excellent extensive history from Hartmann. Good bit here as well, from Simon.

[@andylee6022]

Dumping tea in the harbor was the only way to satisfy the English need for tea.

[@cindydawn4252]

Don’t leave Karl! You’re doing great! You should be permanent host 😊

[@alitlweird]

This is the first time I’ve ever heard the dollar amount of tea that was dumped into the harbor! Dayum! That’s alotta fagina! ☕️

[@bethmarriott9292]

Not me wondering if that mug is Le Creuset 👀

[@bradlevantis913]

I read an interesting article in college outlining what they thought would have happened if the US didn’t win independence but instead followed the path Canada took. The article postulated that North America would be more like Europe with many individual countries rather than the us and Canada as national governments.

[@murrayscott9546]

That might still happen . . .member.

[@tomconnors8165]

In the seventeenth century the Britsh were served tea, not discovered it.

[@Spitnchicklets]

John Adams is the man who defended the soldiers. Which is a honorable testament to his character and integrity. He believed that ALL people are worthy of a voice and defense against the charges brought upon them. Which is why we are “ supposed” to be presumed innocent until proven guilty!!!

[@HylianSoldier64]

"all's well, at least they weren't sounding their horns" - the british

[@Mikkelltheimmortal]

When I read your comment all I could think of is the song "Eric the Awful" by Ray Stevens. If you don't know the song I highly recommend giving it a listen and having a good laugh

[@Dragonfly0987]

"BRITAIN", Sir. BRITAIN. 😂

[@stacyk123]

Topical subject: can you do a video on the Iceland volcano. I realize this will be difficult since no one outside of Iceland sees to know how to say its name.

[@americanminotaur2518]

I very much disagree with that woman who claimed that enslaved African Americans were un-American for siding with the British. The whole point of the Revolution was people fighting for their liberty. If the way they got their liberty was siding with the British vs. siding with the Patriots, who didn’t even see enslaved Africans as Americans anyway, then that’s 100% in line with the spirit of the revolution. If the spirit of the American Revolution isn’t ’American’ nothing is, and I say this as a white American who very much supports the ideals this country was founded on.

[@benkeight4314]

OMG KARL!!!!

[@resileaf9501]

I didn't actually know about the smaller tea parties that followed the famous one. Makes sense when you think about it though. Why wouldn,t there have been follow-ups?

[@allones3078]

But what about all those who say if the protesters destroy property it makes the protest meaningless?

[@danlw212]

I’m guessing that’s really bourbon in your cup. That bottle keeps getting emptier.

[@ArchangelXCI]

FYI for the where is Simon people. He now has a new geography channel called Places.

[@SikenServent]

Happy 250th anniversary of the Boston tea party December 16 1773 - December 16 2023 Murica fuck yeah

[@murrayscott9546]

Not to be confused with "the Tea Party'.

[@AnnaAnna-uc2ff]

Thank you.

[@susansokoloski2233]

Next cover the Burning of the HMS Gaspee in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island colony...an event from 1 year earlier that helped inspire the later Boston Tea Party.

[@theloverlyladylo9158]

Fun fact: the soldiers in the Boston Massacre were defended in court by John Adams. He believed in revolution, but he also believed ideals such as everyone being entitled to a defense, and put his money where his mouth was.

[@blackrook268]

True. The biggest thing was he still seen himself as British, those were still his countryman, and they deserved the same rights as the colonists. He just had a strong distaste for the king and his methods of rule, and was echoed by many of the colonists at the time.

[@lordjazoijua94]

Why do you always blame King George III when it was Lord North and parliament who taxed the colony's . @@blackrook268

[@russelllomando8460]

US born but received Brit Citiz about 10 years ago. Married, worked, & passed the test. Have both passports. Just retained my Brooklyn accent. It did spin heads when I lived in Portsmouth & Cheshire. Thanks. Good one.

[@hunterodonnell8763]

I would like to suggest the Salton Sea in California. Geologically there is a substantial amount of geothermal activity which is now beginning to be exploited while companies determine how to extract the massive lithium deposits deep underneath the surface. It's got a lengthy and fascinating native American history as well as legends of a Conquistador ship being stuck in the sea after entering through the Gulf of Mexico. The modern sea filled up after an accident on the Colorado River diverted the entire river into the sea and destroyed salt and mineral extraction industries replacing them with decades of residential and resort development which was destroyed by agricultural development in the Coachella Valley and the lack of any significant water inflow now creating a massive toxic body of water which basically nothing can live in surrounded by ghost towns and communities living on the fringes like Bombay Beach and Slab City. Every few years there's new talk about restoring the sea but it's a massive multi billion dollar enterprise that may never come within our lifetime.

[@elizabethannedavis5176]

I love this story. Thanks. Lol. We like protests here, and this was one of our biggest. TAXATION IS THEFT. NO TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION. 😂😂😂 Now look at us. 🙄

[@shawnjohnson9763]

We do have representation now. That was the main point.

[@archstanton6102]

Except in DC And Puerto Rico

[@shawnjohnson9763]

@archstanton6102 You left out Guam. But those people are free to move around the country.

[@archstanton6102]

@shawnjohnson9763 wasn't sure about Guam, Virgin Islans or other US colonies. Thanks for the clarification.

[@frankmccracken1160]

Seriously though, it amazes me that people or the younger generation have no idea what the Boston yea party was or meant today

[@Newellgk]

SMALLWOOD!

[@donaldkelly3983]

I would like to see a video on the escaped slaves that fought for the English! Lots of information on the fighting can be found in Rough Crossing by Simon Schama.

[@Aramis419]

Everyone in their right minds know that Bigelow and Twinings are the best tea companies. Of course, my ancestors didn't arrive in the Colonies until after the Great Insurrection, so I can't comment on the actions of those dastardly New Englanders, but I will say that His Majesty's troops would lose in a scrap with the Philadelphia Eagles should they both existed at the time.

[@Robert_H_Diver]

AMERICA F*CK YEA!!!!!

[@jaytrace1006]

Did you hear about the Indian that drank too much tea? He drowned in his own teapee.

[@stacyk123]

"Interim host"? So, is Simon coming back?

[@rhov-anion]

I love how most Brits, when hearing about uprisings in colonies, are like "Nah, we deserved that." I wish Americans had the same attitude. I'm also not at all surprised that Americans don't learn that Black slaves and Native Americans joined the British. After all, it's admitting that the British ditched slavery long before we did and (gasp) may make America NOT look like "the greatest nation on Earth." (The same reason Southern states wantto ban discussion about slavery at all in American history, "It might make White children feel ashamed.")

[@lucyalderman422]

I wonder what 100 years will say about Canada’ 2022 freedom convoy and the resulting downfall

[@Phoolery]

Surprised to see you here Karl!

[@geographicstravel]

He'll be back. Every week. Same bat time, same bat channel.

[@elijacobs9870]

I,m sorry 1:49

[@michaelhurley3171]

No more bad blood here towards Brits, we just mostly drink coffee here, and I hear you guys are drinking more coffee too. I hear Starbucks is getting popular in UK.

[@forresttbarnes5710]

My brother's name is Karl, I didn't need the video

[@ajnfire]

Transporte de Ervas Aromáticas 😊

[@jarrodcacree]

i too would love to know more about slaves and native tribes siding with with british

[@gromit8023]

As a British person I still find this unforgivable . All that poor tea :(

[@Lcngopher]

The boston tea party is a big influence in why the us consumes more coffee than tea on average. Of course americans do drink tea, especially iced.

[@rivaraptor4277]

Teas still a big thing here in the South. Only thing is we put so much sugar in it the tea can kill an elephant

[@rogerpenske2411]

Earl gray, I presume

[@RangerHouston]

_Hey, it’s Karl._

[@that_n1ck623]

Nah I was in Aruba and met 2 girls from England. I’m like Boston ayyy they had no idea where it was on a map…..

[@jokerzyo]

Karl is the perfect interim host for simon chnnels

[@Jyiber]

Karl might be better for this, I recall Simon being a coffee supremist.

[@bostonodonohue]

The taxation was justified; debt for protecting New England from colonial French and Native Americans.

[@elijacobs9870]

❤ 16:26

[@markvicferrer]

Did this event really turn away the US from tea & towards coffee?

[@sukruthns7273]

Why is the incident called Tea Party ?

[@geographicstravel]

Because they had a gay old time?

[@Best-Editz]

😅 I am from London

[@giannidcenzo]

Nice

[@rogerpenske2411]

And on that note, I shall make myself a cup of Earl Gray

[@cogitator1213]

As a passionate tea drinker, I condemn this atrocity

[@kadourimdou43]

The biggest tea party ever, was American not British. :)

[@BigMobe]

It would have been the greatest protest if it was the Boston Coffee Party but Amercans need their cafine so that was bridge too far.

[@tucarnal7454]

Perfect example of cancel culture

[@linkSC907]

Be more Simon, thats your job now

[@hiddencloudjc]

I’ve heard the British like tea bagging😂 Mind you I’m English

[@giannidcenzo]

Go Sox

[@pamelamays4186]

You cry in your tea, which you hurl in the sea when you see me go by." King George III, Hamilton.

[@Didyeaye404]

Who's this guy, Where fact boy

[@jokerzyo]

We need a far away simon fact fiend

[@geographicstravel]

Ohhhh, that'd be amazing.

[@noname2490]

Bud Light is now the second one!!

[@T.Lspitz]

something something bad teeth..

[@benmiller5015]

This one musta been bitter for y'all to cover lol I can only imagine the few schools on your island that teach this do about as good a job as when they have to teach about the revolutionary war lol

[@christianavance9124]

American drinking tea while a Brit educates me on the Boston Tea Party.

[@mrthomasfritz]

first major use of "blackface" by Americans

[@cityofgarlic4088]

America; love it or leave it

[@zaco-km3su]

I have some serious doubts that most colonists bought tea from the smugglers at a higher price just to stick it to the Brits. In fact, most likely, most started buying tea legally again. Things aren't that black & white. This channel should probably just remain focused on locations. Don't try to shift into history too much although there's history with the locations.

[@richardperkins4553]

Fix things with simon so we can go back to normal

[@Anonymous-gl3fb]

Can we please get Simon back for every video

[@eyepodoblivion1189]

Do the English all have kidney stones? Because I just got diagnosed with a kidney stone and guess what I drink a lot of…….. (I barely drink water though and that’s probably the real culprit)

[@chrisfoye1574]

Noooooo. Go get Simon